Selenium in zebra mussels from the middle and lower Elbe

Elevated selenium levels in mussels from the lower Elbe near Blankenese

Selenium is an essential element for humans, animals and some plants, but may also be toxic at higher levels. It is accumulated by organisms and body concentrations may therefore give an impression of the respective environmental concentrations.

Zebra mussels from the lower Elbe sampling site Blankenese had higher selenium levels than mussels sampled upstream at Cumlosen. This indicates that selenium concentrations in the Elbe are higher at Blankenese which is probably a result of anthropogenic activities (domestic waste waters from the city of Hamburg, docks).

Elevated selenium levels in mussels from the lower Elbe near Blankenese
Fig. 1: Selenium in zebra mussels from the Elbe sampling areas Cumlosen and Blankenese
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Updated at: 2022-01-11

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  • Zebra mussel
    Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution

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  • Selenium
    Relatively rare element that naturally occurs both in its elemental form and in many minerals

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Sampling area